cablebandit

iTrader: (37)

Kevin who is honing your block? Baileys machine shop in Lawrencebville just got a torq plate for an ls1. Grimes machine in Alpharetta has one but wanted 275.00 to hone a block!!!!

GeorgeC

I did do the assembly on my last motor... I had a local machine shop hone the block .005", and fit the pistons to the rods, install new cam bearings, and balance the rotating assembly. Doing the assembly myself saved a good bit of cash and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

As everyone else has said, attention to detail is very important. The appropriate Helm's manual is a must. I didn't need any of the "specialty" tools, but they would be a benefit if you have access to them.

That engine lasted almost two years of weekly (or more) trips to the dragstrip, and shiftpoints of 6700rpm (upped to 7100rpm for the last part of it's life). I know it would still be together and running strong today if I had used ARP rod bolts instead of the stock 98' bolts.

If you're not afraid to do it yourself, it's not too difficult. A big-bore stroker motor would be somewhat more involved however, as it will be absolutely mandatory to check all the internal clearances. I didn't go through that since I was using all stock parts (except pistons) in the bottom end.

Big Mike

iTrader: (4)

Great responses guys! I thank you for your input. OK, lets sum it up;
1. obtain bare block and bore to desired cubic inch.
2. purchase rotating assembly to match bore size and have rotaing assembly balanced(this will be done by others).
3. assemble bottom end following extreme attention to torque sequences, etc, with the aid of the Helms Manual to my specific year LS1.
4. install all external engine components.

Am I on the right track? I know I can do this if I take my time, be patient, and pay extreme attention to all the notes made above. I do plan on going with a bigger cubic inch stroker, like something in the 400+ ci area. Because of this, will the Helms Manual still be able to provide me with all the specifications I will need? Or will I need to get this information for the rotating assemble manufacturer?

The main reason for wanting to do this on my own is to save $$$. I'm getting married next September so I'm on a budget right now. If it weren't for this, I would be having MTI or Cartek building me this motor as we speak. Like George also mentioned, I want the feeling of accomplishment and being able to say I did it myself.

BADZ

iTrader: (5)

Sounds good to me, now let's get started BM... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

AINT SKEERED

iTrader: (2)

I just assembled my first engine and its an ls1. the only special tool is a angle torqe guage but if you are not useing any sock fasteners then it may not be needed. It is not that hard

Kevin

iTrader: (1)

Cablebandit,
Its RacingDynamics in Marietta.

Kevin

SSINFUL

So, yer gonna be taking all the top-end components offa the motor ya got? Ignition (coils), plumbing, fuel lines, etc?

Along w/ the Helm manuals, I'd suggest taking pictures of everything (!!!) as you tear it down. Before, during and after. Whole lot easier than diagrams, especially if you take enough pictures from good angles...

Kevin

iTrader: (1)

Good idea. And put separate bolts from different sections into plastic baggies and label the bags. Much easier than having a box full of bolts.

Kevin

Big Mike

iTrader: (4)

SSINFUL,
I'm actually going to be building the new motor from scratch, new block and rotating assembly. When everything is assembled I will drop my stock motor and swap all the external components over.

Kevin,
That's exactly what I would have done, but I'll be using all new parts and hardware.